Re: NANFA-- Prelim Committee report on Canidate Muddminnow.

R. W. Wolff (choupiqu_at_wctc.net)
Thu, 5 Dec 2002 22:42:09 -0600

> 1: Is there much of a difference between the central
> species and other species?

Central and eastern are the only two readily available to anyone. The
pictures I sent are of centrals, and the ones Chip sent ( was you Chip ,
right?) were of easterns. The central is a barred fish, and the eastern a
striped one. They are pretty much identical otherwise.

> 2: What is the size of the canidate?

Average is two to three inches, but I have caught centrals over seven
inches. These are very rare fish, and not likely to grow this large in a
tank.

> 3: What is the size of the smallest safe tankmate
> (that the canidate cannot eat; Would it eat an adult
> female guppy?)

They are great hunters. Any fish they can fit in there mouth is lunch sooner
or later. An adult male guppy would be lunch, fins and all. I think average
muds would have trouble with the more robust female guppy.

> 4: What is the perfered food size? (are termites and
> leafhoppers too large? How small of an earth worm?)

Termites would be great. Earth worms - experiment. Keep trying larger
pieces. I would suggest not going too big though. An adult should be able to
eat half inch sections of night crawlers, which are quite girthy.

> 5: Is it agreed that the best corse of action in
> reguards to feeding is live food mixed with non live,
> and then check to see if it has learned to eat non
> live food from the other fish by putting in only non
> live food and see if it eats any? (hey, I teach
> Science, not English)

Yup. Experiment and find what works best for you. You can ask further
questions as they arise.

> 6: Is the canidate territiorial toward in any
> reguards? (if there are 2 males will they fight?)

I would call it sparring. They will challenge other species. Anyone who is
willing to flare gills and face off. I have had muds spar with small
sunfish, it is really entertaining. These sparring matches have never
resulted in anyone getting hurt in my experience. Large muds can harm small
fish though, since they would hit them with more force than the small fish
can handle. Usually after one of these run ins, the small fish will flee,
and the mud will feel vindication and let that fish be. As a result, the
small fish will avoid being in that situation again.

RAy
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